Adams commissioners raise collectors' stipends

Increase will be based on the number of tax bills generated within a municipality.

In an attempt to give tax collectors a boost, the Adams County Commissioners approved a motion at Wednesday's meeting to slightly increase the collectors' salaries for the 2014 to 2017 fiscal years.

"It's time to do something," Commissioner Randy Phiel said. "There are only a few tax collectors that can make a full-time living from this job. They need to be able to make enough money for this job to be worthwhile. The pay has to stay attractive enough to cover their expenses. It's an unpopular job, but they are residents and taxpayers just like everyone else."

The current rate for tax collectors is $1.35 per bill collected, plus a stipend of $250. Once the increase takes place, the stipends will be based on what tier (municipality) the collectors are working in. The top tier - places such as Conewago or Cumberland Townships- will see the stipend increase to $475. The mid and lowers tiers will see an increase to $450 and $400 respectively.
The tiers municipalities fall into is based on the number of real estate and per capita bills available for collection. The lower tier covers up to 2,500 bills, the mid tier covers 2,501 to 6,000 bills and the top tier covers more than 6,000.